Stronger Bilateral Ties

"Rotarians are perceived by some as Zionists, Freemasons or Rich Men's Club. We are a non-political, non-religious, non-racial organisation ... our mission is to make the world a better place. Let us be known as rich in our hearts."

- Andre Suharto

Andre Suharto (right) with S. J. Prakason and John Cheah

http://www.nst.com.my/node/47265

JOHOR BARU: Rotary District 3310 District Governor Andre Suharto recently paid a visit to the Rotary Club of Johor Baru Sentral (RCJBS).

It is among the 62 Rotary clubs under Rotary District 3310, covering Johor, Malacca, Sabah, Sarawak, Labuan and Singapore.

Suharto said he was pleased with RCJBS’ works since its inception in 2012.

On Monday, RCJBS saw the installation of its new president S. J. Prakason and the board of directors for 2014-2015. Four new members were also inducted to the organisation.

Later, Suharto announced that three new Rotary clubs will be established next year, two in Johor and the other in Singapore.

"I hope to see bilateral ties among the clubs under Rotary District 3310 get stronger and aspire for each club to come up with its own unique projects,” he said.

The event, which was held at the Tropical Inn Hotel Johor Baru, saw an attendance of 45 members. By Chuah Bee Kim

It's Not Safe

by Chuah Bee Kim

JOHOR BARU: LOW rentals has lured about 100 families and individuals into Block 4 of Taman Jaya flats in Skudai here, despite it being declared unsafe a decade ago.

In 2005, a support pillar of the four-storey block had cracked and became slightly tilted, which forced 300 residents to evacuate.

After the incident, the then Public Works and Housing Committee chairman Datuk Baderi Dasuki had urged the residents to move out voluntarily within a week for their own safety or face forceful eviction.

Based on preliminary findings, the Malaysian Public Works Institute (Ikram) had declared the structure unstable and a study on Block 4 was conducted.

Ikram reportedly found that the cracked column had failed, making it unable to take the load of the structure.

In 2011, the state government gave out compensations to the flat owners. But for fear of safety for their families, some had left for good after the incident.

Some left but came back and along the way, new tenants moved in, lured by the attractive low rentals for the units.

Streets visited the block of flats yesterday and found that people living there were unfazed by the hazardous conditions.

Sixty-year-old Sukarti Karsan was one of the tenants who lived there with her son. Sukarti said she was aware of the 2005 incident.

“My two sons take turns to take care of me. Sometimes I go and stay with him and sometimes I stay with my son here. I know it is not safe but we cannot find alternative accommodation.

“My son is renting the place for RM250. There is water and electricity. In some units, there are none and their rental is lower,” Sukarti said.

Another resident who only wanted to be known as Ani, who is living in the block across Sukarti, said her rental is RM300 per month.

“Residents in my block were not asked to evacuate as the land here did not sink.

“I think a lot of foreigners are renting the flats here, especially in that block, as the rent is lower than the other blocks,” she said.

It was reported that residents heard a loud bang and felt the floor moving in the 10.30pm incident.

The walls in some units started to crack and steel rods inside the support pillar could be seen.

The support pillar was said to have cracked due to soil movement below the almost 30-year-old building, which houses 64 units.

Central Johor Baru Municipal Council president Sallehuddin Hassan confirmed to Streets yesterday that the building is not fit for occupancy.

Sallehuddin said a sign was put up by MPJBT but it has since gone missing.

Short Getaway To Absolute Happiness

Dr Ang Yi Yiang, Jaymie Tan and Catherine Tan

By Chuah Bee Kim

source NST online

http://www.nst.com.my/node/46488

MERSING: Sixty-nine people attended the Monsoon Course 2014, a four-day-three-night motivation programme.

Held at the Felda Residence Tanjung Leman here, the event was themed "Absolute Happiness".

Event organising chairman Serene Wong said the annual event, in its fourth year, was also aimed at deepening the members' understanding and practice of the Buddhist faith.

"The event is a short getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life, as well as a chance to strengthen friendships and get motivated to live a positive life," she added.

Besides group discussions, there were also fun-filled games and an entertainment night where the participants got together to perform in groups.

The event was organised by the Johor chapter of Soka Gakkai Malaysia. 

Fully Recharged

In my Group there were
From left, top row: Victor Cheng, James Tan
From left, second row: Dr Ang Yi Yiang, Cheang Ai Nee, Catherine Tan, Jaymie Tan, me, Bonnie Siew, Vincent Siew, Dawson Yeang
From left, seated: Khor Pin Pin, Tay Gek Hoon, Tracey Wong, May Chan, Jazzilyn Tong, Chin Yoke Chee and Khaw Yen Kiat

We were given the challenge to cut a piece of A4 size paper so that it could encircle nine people.

I have a bindi or putu between my eyebrows because my group chose to perform an Indian dance, while the lady beside me, Cindy Sia, led her group in a hot Latin dance.

The Indian dance was easier as there was a lot of running around the stage.  Okay, I am exaggerating. There wasn't exactly a lot of running --- there were some hand and leg movements and body shaking --- but the steps were easier to execute than the sultry moves of Salsa dancing.  The little bit of running around incorporated into the routine already made it easier.  

It wasn't a talent quest or contest. It was all just for fun.

The room that I stayed in. 

Goodbye, Felda Residence Tanjung Leman. We created some wonderful memories and good energy here. 

Absolute Happiness

Updated

After a night of refreshing sleep, my mind has more clarity now. Have been sleeping very well in the past two nights. Such bliss.  Anyway, it just dawned on me that I need to clarify some things concerning what I wrote last night.

First of all, one can't be perturbed by good news. You can't help but feel elated if you learnt you've  won RM2 million or a brand new Ducati Multistrada 1200.  But after a while, the joy slips away like a fleeting rainbow.

And when I say "death is a new beginning ...", I don't want the disheartened to opt for the easy way out. Knowing that our present actions and thoughts determine our next destination, Buddhism teaches one to lead a good life now.

Come what may, take it in your stride.

Okay, time to reflect

Have a pleasant day, and be good!

Original Post

To be unperturbed by good news or bad news. To achieve absolute happiness. To go home a Buddha.

I can say YES to all these at the retreat but once I get back to the concrete jungle, I wonder if I'd even remember all of the above.

We can decide our next journey. What we did yesterday showed up today, and what we do today will determine our tomorrow. Death is not the end, but a new beginning. 

Only when there are problems are there opportunities for growth, and everything that happens to us is to lead us to our Buddhahood.  Everyone of us is a Buddha.

We have to center our life on something more profound than fleeting pleasures and romances. 

By the way, they serve six meals a day over here. I need to go on a diet as soon as I get home. At the same time I will also try to practise all that I have learnt here.

Just sharing a little of what I have learnt today.

Sleep well, everyone. Good night.

Stop Whining

Alluring sunrise at Felda Residence Tanjung Leman in Mersing. I thought I was going to Kota Tinggi.  

Forever blur ...

I have to stop complaining. Complaining is negativity and that keeps  one's good fortune at bay.

Pointing out a fault is okay, if the intent is good. But do not complain.

Petrol hike, toll hike, things too expensive .... complaining about it isn't going to change anything.